Sierra Nevada snow storm brings holiday crowd to a halt

A storm that swept through the Bay Area on Saturday and early Sunday dumped up to one foot or more of snow in some parts of Sierra Nevada, much to the delight of skiers and snowboarders.

The area has reported 15 inches of new snow. A winter weather warning that expired at 10 a.m. Sunday informed residents that anywhere from eight to 12 inches of snow could fall above 4,000 feet thanks to the weekend precipitation.

According media reports, the traffic stopped near Crystal Springs, “but Caltrans cleared the road and allowed vehicles through with chains or four-wheel drive, at a crawl.”

Some motorists did not come prepared with chains and had to pay a fee for the chains themselves and to put them on.

Traveling from the Sacramento, California area to Northern Nevada is a popular route during the holidays. When it comes to traveling on Donner Pass this time of year, the weather could create a longer commute. Motorists were stranded on the pass after a winter storm hit the area.

Chains and/or snow tires are still required on all mountain roads according to the Nevada Department of Transportation.